Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. — Matthew 5:11

Most people who can read this Internet message don’t understand what this verse is about. But among people who study persecution closely, Christians may be going through the most trouble ever in the history of Christianity. For those of us who live in comfortable places where belief is accepted and Christians are just called “uncool” or “out of touch,” we should be thankful that our lives are different enough from the culture around us to be noticed, even if it’s not in a good way. But we also need to pray for other Christians around the world who are suffering the punishment of hell for their faith.

 

Thought

Most people who can read this Internet message don’t understand what this verse is about. But among people who study persecution closely, Christians may be going through the most trouble ever in the history of Christianity. For those of us who live in comfortable places where belief is accepted and Christians are just called “uncool” or “out of touch,” we should be thankful that our lives are different enough from the culture around us to be noticed, even if it’s not in a good way. But we also need to pray for other Christians around the world who are suffering the punishment of hell for their faith.

 

Prayer

Many people who call on you in faith in Jesus and who endure daily hardship and persecution call on you, great Deliverer. I ask that they not become discouraged and lose hope. I ask that you grant us freedom from this period of persecution. I hope that their suffering will serve as a potent witness, allowing others to recognize the importance of Jesus and our devotion to him. In Jesus’s precious name I pray. Amen.